Subtract 72/36 from 12/8
1st number: 1 4/8, 2nd number: 2 0/36
12/8 - 72/36 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 36 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
12/8 = 12 × 9/8 × 9 = 108/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
72/36 = 72 × 2/36 × 2 = 144/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
108/72 - 144/72 = 108 - 144/72 = -36/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
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